Device for releasably locking at a selected position components which are movable one with respect to the other

ABSTRACT

A DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY FIXING, AT A SELECTED POSITION RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER, A PAIR OF COMPONENTS WHICH ARE MOVABLE ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER, SUCH AS THE BACK REST OF AN AUTOMOBILE SEAT WITH RESPECT TO THE SEAT PORTION THEREOF. A PAIR OF OUTER LOCK MEANS ARE RESPECTIVELY CONNECTED WITH THE COMPONENTS SO THAT ONE OF THE OUTER LOCK MEANS IS MOVABLE RELATIVE TO THE OTHERS, AND THIS PAIR OF OUTER LOCK MEANS RESPECTIVELY HAS A PAIR OF LOCK SURFACES DIRECTED TOWARD EACH OTHER, A GUIDE MEANS COACTS WITH THE PAIR OF LOCK MEANS TO GUIDE THE ONE LOCK MEANS FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO THE OTHER ALONG A PATH WHICH DOES NOT CHANGE THE CONFIGURATION OF A SPACE WHICH IS DEFINED BETWEEN THE LOCK SURFACES. AN INTERMEDIATE LOCK MEANS HAS A LOCKING POSITION LOCATED IN THIS SPACE AND HAS A PAIR OF OUTER LOCK SURFACES DIRECTED AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AND ENGAGING THE LOCK SURFACES OF THE PAIR OF OUTER LOCK MEANS WITH AT LEAST AN INTERLOCKING TYPE OF ENGAGEMENT WHEN THE INTERMEDIATE LOCK MEANS IS IN ITS LOCKING POSITION. A MANUALLY OPERABLE MEANS COACTS WITH THE INTERMEDIATE LOCK MEANS FOR MOVING IT BETWEEN ITS LOCKING POSITION SITUATED IN THE SPACE AND AN UNLOCKING POSITION WHERE THE LOCK SURFACES OF THE INTERMEDIATE LOCK MEANS ARE RESPECTIVELY SPACED FROM THE LOCK SURFACES OF THE PAIR OF OUTER LOCK MEANS.

Feb. 16, 1971 KQLLER 3,562,851

DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY LOOKING AT A SELECTED POSITION COMPONENTS WHICHARE MOVABLE ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER Filed Sept. 16, 1968 5Sheets-Sheet 1 lnvgnfor: NorberT KOLLER 4 m Feb. 16, 1971 Q ER 3,562,851

DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING AT A SELECTED POSITION COMPONENTS WHICHARE MOVABLE ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER Filed Sept. 16, 1968 5Sheets-Sheet 2 lnveqzor: Norbert 4;; mm 0. K4

Feb. 16, 1971 N. KOLLER 3,562,851 DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING AT ASELECTED POSITION COMPO\EN "S ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER WHICH AREMOVABLE Filed Sept. 16, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inventor: NorberT A m (9,m I 11 5 Ah OIhQX Feb. 16, 1971 NfK LLER 3,562,851

DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING AT A SELECTED POSITION COMPONENTS WHICHARE MOVABLE ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER Filed Sept. 16, 1968 5Sheets-Sheet 4 /nver or: ,NorbrT A15 Afforney Feb. 16, 1971 v KQLLER3,562,851

' DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING AT A SELECTED POSITION COMPONENTS WHICHARE MOVABLE ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER Filed Sept. 16, 1968 5Sheets-Sheet 5 /nvenz0r I Norberf KOLLER 6;: m 0m fn's Afforne y UnitedStates Patent DEVICE FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING AT A SELECTED POSITIONCOMPONENTS WHICH ARE MOVABLE ONE WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER NorbertKiiller, Oschelbronn, Germany, assignor to Recaro AG, Glarus,Switzerland, a firm Filed Sept. 16, 1968, Ser. No. 759,904 Claimspriority, application Germany, Sept. 16, 1967, P 16 80 261.2 Int. Cl.E05d 11/08 U.S. Cl. 16-140 18 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A devicefor releasably fixing, at a selected position relative to each other, apair of components which are movable one with respect to the other, suchas the back rest of an automobile seat with respect to the seat portionthereof. A pair of outer lock means are respectively connected with thecomponents so that one of the outer lock means is movable relative tothe others, and this pair of outer lock means respectively has a pair oflock surfaces directed toward each other. A guide means coacts with thepair of lock means to guide the one lock means for movement relative tothe other along a path which does not change the configuration of aspace which is defined between the lock surfaces. An intermediate lockmeans has a locking position located in this space and has a pair ofouter lock surfaces directed away from each other and engaging the locksurfaces of the pair of outer lock means with at least an interlockingtype of engagement when the intermediate lock means is in its lockingposition. A manually operable means coacts with the intermediate lockmeans for moving it between its locking position situated in the spaceand an unlocking position where the lock surfaces of the intermediatelock means are respectively spaced from the lock surfaces of the pair ofouter lock means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a device forfixing, at a selected position one with respect to the other, a pair ofcomponents which are movable with respect to each other. The device ofthe invention is particularly suitable for releasably fixing a swingablebackrest of an automobile seat with respect to the seat portion thereof,so that the backrest can have a selected inclination. The inventionrelates particularly to that type of device where lock elements coactwith each other for releasably locking the components at a selectedposition with one respect to the other.

With known structures of this general type the lock components take theform, for example, of elements having the structure of gears, theseelements meshing with each other when in their locking position. Thedisadvantage of a locking device of this type resides above all in thefact that the adjustment of the components relative to each other cantake place only in predetermined steps with no possibility of selectingadjustments between given positions of the components one with respectto the other corresponding to the intermeshing of the gears with respectto each other. There are, however, known devices which provide astepless type of adjustment permitting an infinite selection within agiven range, but with an adjustment of this type the lock elements,instead of having an interlocking relationship, as is the case withmeshing gears, have only a pressure relationship so that in order toachieve a reliable locking action such lock elements must have a veryhigh force of friction between them- 'ice selves. This latterrequirement of course has the disadvantage that relatively large forcesare required in order to release the locking action so that thecomponents can be adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly a primary of the presentinvention to provide a structure of the above general type which wilavoid the above drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to prov de adevice enabling an infinite selection of adjusted posltions to beprovided in a stepless mann r without, however, requiring large frictionforces and releasing forces as is required by conventional devices whichprovide this possibility.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a constructlonaccording to which the lock elements will have with respect to eachother, at least in part, an interlockmg action similar to that ofintermeshing gear teeth whi e at the same time permitting an infiniteselection of ad- JIISt Cd positions to be made in a stepless mannerwithin a given range.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a constructionof this type which can be manually operated to release the lockstructure whenever desired in an exceedingly simple manner.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a constructionof the above type which automatically assumes a locking position whenreleased by the operator.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a constructionwhich will operate reliably to prevent movement of a movable component,with respect to a stationary component, in both of a pair of opposeddirections.

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a constructionwhich when it is unlocked enables a free unrestrained movement of amovable component to be achieved.

Also, it is an object of the invention to provide a construction of theabove general type which is composed of a small number of simple ruggedelements which operate reliably to achieve, at relatively low cost, theresults set forth above.

In accordance with the invention the components which are movable onewith respect to the other respectively have a pair of outer lock meansfixed thereto. The pair of lock means respectively have directed towardeach other lock surfaces which define between themselves a space of agiven configuration. A guide means coacts with the pair of outer lockmeans, to guide them for movement one relative to the other withoutchanging the configuration of the space defined between their locksurfaces. An intermediate lock means has a pair of outer lock surfacesdirected away from each other and pressing against the lock surfaces ofthe pair of outer lock means when the intermediate lock means is in alocking position, with the intermediate lock means having with respectto the pair of outer lock means, at least in part, an interlockingcoaction. A manually operable means coacts with the intermediate lockmeans for moving it between its locking position and an unlockingposition where the lock surfaces of the intermediate lock means arespaced from the lock surfaces of the pair of outer lock means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated by 'Way ofexample in the accompanying drawings which form part of this applicationand in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, partly broken away, side elevation of onepossible device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional elevation taken along line IIII of FIG.1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a transverse section taken along line IIIIII of FIG. 1 in thedirection of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevation of another embodiment of a deviceaccording to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional elevation taken along line VV of FIG. 4in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a partly broken away side elevation of a further embodiment ofa device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional elevation of the structure of FIG. 6taken along line VIIVII 'of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation of yet another embodiment of adevice according to the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional elevation taken along line IXIX of FIG.8 in the direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings andto FIGS. 1-3 in particular, it will be seen that the structureillustrated therein includes a stationary component 1 forming a supportmeans for the entire structure and forming part of the lower seatportion of the seat of an automobile in the illustrated example. Thestructure includes a second component 2 which is movable with respect tothe component 1 and which is to be releasably fixed at a selectedposition with respect to the component 1. This component 2 is connectedwith and forms part of a structure such as the swingable backrest of anautomobile seat which is to be displaced to a desired angular positionwith respect to the seat portion. For this purpose a guide means isprovided to guide the movable component 2 for movement with respect tothe stationary component 1, and this guide means includes the pivot pin3 which is carried by the stationary component 1 and which supports theswingable component 2 for movement about a horizontal axis determined bythe axis of the pivot pin 3.

A pair of outer lock means are respectively carried by the components 1and 2. One of these outer lock means is fixedly connected with themovable component 2 for turning movement therewith about the axis of thepin 3. This latter outer lock means takes the form of a ring 4 fixed tothe component 2 and concentrically surrounding the pin 3, this outerlock means 4 having inner teeth 4' so that it forms an inner ring gear.The teeth of the ring 4 need only be located within the range ofadjustment of the component 2.

The other outer lock means is carried by the stationary component '1 andin the illustrated example takes the form of an inner gear 5 whose teethmesh with the teeth of the ring gear 4. The guide means includes, inaddition to the pin 3 which guides the component 2 and the outer lockmeans 4 for turning mo'vement about the axis of the pin 3, a circularplate 6 which is fixedly carried by the pin 3 and which is fixed to thecomponent 1 so as to be stationary. The circular plate 6 has its centerdisplaced from the axis of the pin 3, so that the plate 6 iseccentrically positioned with respect to the common axis of the ring 4and the component 2. 'In order to fix the plate 6 against rotation, pins6 interconnect the plate 6 with the stationary component 1, as indicatedin FIG. 3. It will be noted that the pair of outer lock means 4 and 5and the plate 6 are all situated in a common plane.

It will be noted that with this construction the pair of outer lockmeans 4 and 5 define between themselves an elongated curved space whichtapers toward its opposite ends and which is of a generallysickle-shaped configuration. The guide means formed by the pin 3 and theplate 6 guide the pair of lock means for movement in such a way that thesickle-shaped configuration of the space does not change, and duringturning of the component 2 with respect to the component 1 the gear 5rotates, since its teeth 5' mesh with the teeth 4', in the manner of aplanetary gear which rotates in response to rotary movement of a sungear with which the outer lock. means 4 is analogous. The tips of theteeth 4 and 5' form at the sickle-shaped space lock surfaces which aredirected toward each other, and the region of its ends the sickleshapedspace has a pair of oppositely tapered gaps which gradually taper so asto be of a curved wedge-shaped configuration. These opposed gaps eachhave a pair of lock surface portions of the outer lock means 4 and 5formed by the tips of the teeth 4' and 5' thereof.

Within this sickle-shaped space is situated an intermediate lock meanswhich has opposed outer lock surfaces pressing against the lock surfacesformed by the tips of the teeth 4' and 5' when the intermediate lockmeans is in the sickle-shaped space in a locking position. Thisintermediate lock means includes a pair of curved substantiallywedgeshaped lock members 7 and 8 the configuration of which conformrespectively to the configuration of the elongated opposed end gaps ofthe sickle-shaped space, these latter portions being situated beyond acentral portion of the sickle-shaped space where its width is a maximum.In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the pair of wedge-shaped lock members 7and 8 which form the intermediate lock means are longitudinally movabletoward and away from each other in the sickle-shaped space. The opposedouter edge surfaces of the intermediate lock members 7 and 8 form thepair of outer lock surfaces of the intermediate lock means which pressagainst the tips of the teeth 4' and 5 when the intermediate lock means7, 8 is in its locking position.

A cam means is provided for displacing the pair of intermediate lockmembers 7 and 8 toward each other away from their'locking positions, andthis cam means includes a pair of cam pins 7 and 8' respectively fixedto the lock members 7 and 8 at the region of their wider ends andrespectively extending parallel to each other and the pin 3. These campins 7', 8', which form cam followers, respectively extend through guideslots 17 and 18 which are formed in the stationary component 1 and whichextend along a circle whose center is in the axis of the pin 3. Thus,the cam follower pins 7' and 8 are guided by the slots 17 and 18 formovement along a curved path which is concentric with the pin 3. The cammeans further includes a swingable cam plate 9 formed with camming slots19 and 20 through which the pins 7' and 8' respectively extend. The camplate 9 is carried by a rotary tube 10 which is itself supported forturning movement about its axis by the stationary component 1 whichforms part of the support means. The axis of the tube 10 extendsparallel to the axis of the pin 3. The configuration and situation ofthe camming slots 19 and 20 is such that upon turning of the cam 9 thefollower pins 7' and 8', and thus the intermediate lock members 7 and 8,are displaced to the same extent but in opposed directions.

A manually operable means is provided for swinging the cam 9 togetherwith the tube 10 about the axis of the latter, and this manuallyoperable means includes a manually engageable lever 11 freely accessibleto the operator and having a projection 11 received in a notch 9 of theswingable cam plate 9. Thus, in response to swinging of the lever 11 thecam plate 9 .will also be turned. A spring 12 is connected at one end tothe stationary component 1 and at its opposite end to the lever 11 tourge the latter to turn in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed inFIG. 1, about the axis of the pin 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 in particularillustrate how the manually operable means 11 is turnably carried by thepin 3. This turning of the lever 11 by the spring 12 will result inturning of the cam plate 9 in a clockwise direction, as viewed inFIG. 1. This direction of turning of the cam 9 results in displacementof the follower pins 7' and 8' away from each other so that the spring12 forms a means urging the pair of intermediate lock members 7 and 8,which form the intermediate lock means, into their locking positions.Thus, the spring 12 acts through the lever 11 and cam 9 on the pins 7'and 8' to displace the intermediate lock members 7 and 8 toward thenarrow ends of the sickleshaped space defined between the pair of outerlock means 4 and 5. The pressing of the intermediate lock means 7, 8against the pair of outer lock means 4 and provides between theintermediate lock means 7, 8 and the pair of outer lock means aninterlocked type of coaction, as distinguished from a friction-type ofpressure coaction. Thus, the spring 12 holds the intermediate lock meansin its locking position. Upon displacement of the lever 11 by theoperator in opposition to the spring 12 the intermediate lock members 7and 8 are displaced toward the central widest part of the space betweenthe pair of outer lock means so as to assume an unlocked positionpermitting free rotary movement of the lock means 5 during turning ofthe lock means 4 together with the component 2. Thus, in the unlockedposition the component 2 can be moved quickly and freely with respect tothe component 1 to a selected position.

In accordance with the particular portions of the sickleshaped space towhich the configurations of the lock members 7 and 8 conform, the forcewhich is transmitted to the lock members 7 and 8 from the gears 4 and 5longitudinally of the space between the gears 4 and 5 is zero either ina direction toward the narrow ends of the sickleshaped space or in anopposite direction toward the central region of the space which is ofmaximum width. Inasmuch as the intermediate lock members 7 and 8 have africtional engagement with the tips of the teeth of the gears 4 and 5,it is possible through this frictional engagement to achieve anautomatic increase in the looking action as well as to facilitatemovement of the lock members 7 and 8 toward each other out of theirlocking position. It is also of advantage that the movement of the lockmembers 7 and 8 toward their unlocking position takes place with only asmall extent of movement of the members 7 and 8 so that it is notpossible for the tips of the teeth to break as is the case with knowntoothed lock mechanisms where during locking or unlocking movement atslow speed under load it is indeed possible for the teeth of the lockingcomponents to break.

It is to be noted that when the component 2 tends to turn in a clockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. 1, the lock member 8 becomes compressed ina substantially radial direction transversely of the sickle-shaped spacebetween the teeth of the gears 4 and 5 so as to provide the interlockingtype of coaction, while when the component 2 tends to swing forwardly ina counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 1, it is theintermediate lock member 7 which is compressed transversely in asubstantially radial direction between the gears 4 and 5 to provide theautomatically increasing interlocking type of coaction. As distinguishedfrom a friction-type of pressure lock, as in the case of a slip clutch,for example, the interlocking type of action achieved with the structureof the invention will require permanent deformation or breaking of thelock members 7 and 8 before the lock will fall.

In the illustrated example the swinging movement of the cam 9 istransmitted to a mechanism identical with that of FIGS. 1-3 but situatedat the other end of the seat so that the locking and unlocking actiontakes place automatically at the opposite ends of the seat in responseto the action of the lever 11.

For this purpose the cam 9 is fixed to the tube 10 by way ofintermeshing teeth 22 so that the tube 10 transmits the turning movementof the cam plate 9 shown in the drawings to the other cam plate which isat the other end of the seat. Of course, this transmission of theswinging movement between the cam plates 9 can take place by way of anelongated rod interconnecting the plates 9 and having its axis parallelto but spaced from the common turning axis of the plates 9.

In order to assure the same rotary directions of the devices at theopposed ends of the seat, the opposed ends of a bar 21 which extendsthrough the tube 10 are respectively formed with pinions 20 which meshwith the inner teeth of the gears 4 of both of the mechanismsrespectively situated at the ends of the seat.

According to the embodiment of the invention which is illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, there is also an inner ring gear 104 forming an outerlock means which is fixed to the swingable component 102 for turningmovement therewith about the axis of the stationary pivot pin. The innerteeth of the outer lock means 104 mesh with the outer teeth of the otherouter lock means formed by the gear 105 which turns about its axis inresponse to turning of the component 102, as a result of the drivebetween these gears, and which is also eccentrically positioned, as isapparent from FIG. 4. However, in this embodiment, as is most clearlyshown in FIG. 5, the pair of outer lock means respectively include ringsegments and 126 which are coaxially fixed to the rings 104 and 105. Thesurfaces of the segments 125 and 126 which are directed toward eachother define a pair of lock surfaces for the pair of outer lock meansand define between themselves a space identical in configuration withthat which is defined between the elements 104 and 105, so that in thiscase also a sickle-shaped space is defined between the pair of outerlock means. Of course, instead of segments of rings it is possible forthe lock elements 125 and 126 to form complete rings. It is sufficient,however, if, as shown in the illustrated example, the segments areprovided with a length adapted to the desired range of adjustment.

The surfaces 125' and 126 which form the lock surfaces of the pair ofouter lock means and which are directed toward each other are oppositebeveled, as is particularly apparent from FIG. 5, so that the spacedefined between the segments 125 and 126 is tapered transversely withrespect to this space.

The intermediate lock means of this embodiment is formed by a curvedmember 107 situated in the sickleshaped space between segments 125 and126 when the intermediate lock means 107 is in its locking position.This intermediate lock means 107 in this embodiment extends from thecentral region of the sickle-shaped space where it has its greatestwidth toward the opposed ends of the sickle-shaped space longitudinallyof the latter.

In order to displace the intermediate lock means 107 from its lockingposition shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to its unlocking position, and then backto its locking position, the stationary component 101 supports forturning movement a manually operable means formed by a rotary shaft 111having at its upper end an angularly extending free end portion carryinga handle 112 which is accessible to the operator. A forked shiftingmember 127 is welded to and extends radially from the rotary shaft 111,and the free end of the shifting member 127 extends into an annulargroove formed in a pin 128 which is fixed centrally to the intermediatelock means 107. A coil spring 113 is coiled about the shaft 111 and isfixed at its opposite ends to the shaft 111 and the stationary component101 so as to tend to turn the shaft 111 in a clockwise direction aboutits axis, as vie-wed in FIG. 5, so that the spring 113 forms a meansurging the intermediate lock means 107 into its locking position.

It is to be noted that the opposed edge surfaces of the intermediatelock means 107, which are directed away from each other, are alsooppositely beveled and have an inclination matching that of oppositelybeveled lock surfaces 125 and 126', so that a transverse wedging ac tionis achieved between the intermediate lock means 107 and the pair ofouter lock means 104 and 105. However, these beveled lock surfacesgreatly facilitate the displacement of the lock member 107 away from itslocking position. This displacement of the intermediate lock means awayfrom its locking position to its unlocking position can easily becarried out even when the lock member 107 is tightly clamped between thelock members 125 and 126.

In the event that a pair of segments 125 and 126 are not provided andinstead the intermediate lock means 107 enters directly into the spacebetween the gears 104 and 105, it is then desirable to provide along theopposed lock surfaces of the intermediate lock means 107 a coating of anelastic material of high strength, so that the pressure can bedistributed over a greater surface area of the teeth which in this caseform the lock surfaces of the pair of outer lock means 104 and 105. Itis also possible, however, to achieve a desired distribution of thepressure by providing the tips of the gear teeth with oppositely beveledend surface portions corresponding to the opposite inclinations of theopposed lock edges of the intermediate lock means 107.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of a device of the typeshown in FIGS. 13 where the pair of intermediate look members aredisplaced longitudinally of the sickle-shaped space. In this case theouter lock means 204, in the form of a ring having inner gear teeth, isnot fixed to the swingable component 202 for turning movement therewith.Instead the toothed outer ring 204 is fixed to the stationary component201 while concentrically surrounding the pivot pin carried by thelatter. The circular plate 206 of the guide means, which iseccentrically mounted on the pivot pin, also supports the other outerlock means 205 for free rotary movement, this lock means 205 having itsouter teeth meshing with the inner teeth of the ring 204. In this case,however, the plate 206 is fixed to the swingable component 202 forturning movement therewith about the central pivot pin, so that theeccentric plate 206 also swings about the pivot pin and the lock means205 planetates with respect to the outer lock means 204 which acts as asun gear. The pair of curved wedge-shaped intermediate lock members 207and 208 the configurations of which correspond to the portions of thesickle-shaped space in which they are located, respectively, form theintermediate lock means of this embodiment, and their inner wider endswhich are directed toward each other are respectively formed withnotches which respectively receive the opposed ends of a coil spring 228which is under compression and which forms a means continuously urgingthe pair of intermediate lock members away from each other to theirlocking positions.

In order to displace the intermediate lock members toward each other totheir unlocking position, this embodiment is provided, as in the case ofFIGS. 1-3, with a cam means including a rotary cam plate 209 formed withcamming slots 219 and 220. The cam means includes the cam-follower pins207' and 208' which are respectively fixed to and extend perpendicularlyfrom the intermediate lock members 207 and 2.08 and which arerespectivly received in the camming slots 220 and 219. As is apparentfrom FIG. 6, the width of the camming slot 219 is somewhat greater thanthe diameter of the cam follower pin 208 while the follower pin 207' issituated without any appreciable play Within the slot 220. As a resultof the play provided for the follower pin 208, there is an assurancethat even with relatively large manufacturing tolerances theintermediate lock members 207 and 208 will be reliably displaced betweentheir looking and unlocking positions. In order to turn the cam 209 amanually operable means 229 in the form of a hand wheel is coaxiallyfixed to the plate 209 for rotary movement therewith.

Thus, the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 will operate in the same way asthe embodiment of FIGS. 13 except that'in this case the sickle-shapedspace, without changing its configuration, planetates together with thegear 205 and the components situated within the space about the axis ofthe stationary ring gear 204 during swinging of the component 2.02. Thehand wheel 229 forms the manually operable means of the embodiment ofFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of the invention 'where there isno transmission of movement between the pair of outer lock means. Withthis embodiment the stationary component 301 forms part of the lowerstationary seat portion of an automobile, for example. The swingablecomponent 302 is connected to and forms part of the swingable backrestand is pivotally connected with the stationary component 301 by way ofthe pivot pin 303. One of the outer lock means of this embodiment isformed by the segment 304 of a circular ring, this segment 304 beingfixed to the swingable component 302 and concentrically extending aroundthe pin 303. The angular length of the segment 304 corresponds to thedesired range of swinging movement of the component 302. The outer edgesurface 304' of the outer lock means 304 forms the lock surface thereof,and in the illustrated example it is formed with notches, knurling, orthe'like, so as to have a series of alternating projections anddepressons.

The other outer lock means of this embodiment is formed by a ringsegment 305 which also forms part of a circular ring. This outer lockmeans 305 is fixed to the stationary component 301 at such a distancefrom the pin 303 that an elongated space of predetermined configurationis defined between the lock surface 305 of the outer lock means 305 andthe lock surface 304' of the outer lock means 304. The radius ofcurvature of the lock surface 305 is greater than and has its centerspaced from the center of the radius of curvature of the lock surface304. As a result the lock surfaces 304' and 305 are closest to eachother at the central region of the lock surface 305' which isstationary, and the space between the pair of outer lock means becomesgradually wider in opposed directions away from the central region ofthis space. Thus, in this case also there are oppositely directedtapered gaps, but in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 these oppositelydirected tapered gaps taper toward each other, while in the embodimentof FIGS. 1-3 the oppositely directed tapered gaps taper away from eachother. It will be noted also that the oppositely directed tapered gapsare symmetrically arranged with respect to each other. As is apparentfrom FIG. 8, the angular length of the ring segment 305 is substantiallyless than that of the ring segment 304. 'Furthermore, since the locksurface 304' extends concentrically about the axis of the pin 303, theconfiguration of the space between the pair of outer lock means does notchange during swinging of the component 302.

The intermediate lock means of this embodiment in cludes a pair of lockmembers 307 and 308 the configuration of which corresponds to theconfiguration of the oppositely tapered gaps between the outer lockmeans 304 and 305. When the pair of intermediate lock members 307 and308 are in their locking positions they reliably hold the swingablecomponent 302 in an adjusted angular position with respect to thestationary component 301. In their locking positions, the identicallyconstructed intermediate lock members 307 and 308 are symmeticallypositioned with respect to the narrowest central portion of the spacebetween the pair of outer lock means 304 and 305. The intermediate lockmeans 307, 308 has opposed outer lock surfaces directed away from eachother and pressing against the lock surfaces 304' and 305 in the lockingposition of the intermediate lock means 307, 308. The inner locksurfaces of the lock members 307 and 308 are knurled, notched, or thelike, so as to have projections and depressions meshing with those ofthe lock surface 304'. During a tendency of the component 302 to swingin one direction or the other, when the intermediate lock means is inits locking position, there will be a tendency for one of the other ofthe intermediate lock members 307 and 308 to be displaced toward thecenter of the space between the pair of outer lock means 304 and 305 sothat a wedging action is achieved inasmuch as the intermediate lockmembers 307 and 308 are substantially rigid bodies,

and in this way swinging movement of the component 302 is prevented.

The pair of intermediate lock members 307 and 308 are connected bysuitable transversely extending headed pins with lugs 327 which arefixed to and extend radially from a rotary manually operable shaft 311which is supported for rotary movement on the stationary component 301.The free end of the shaft 311 which is nearest to the operator isangularly curved and is provided with a hand grip or knob 312. When theshaft 311 is turned in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG.9, the intermediate lock means 307, 308 is displaced away from itslocking position out of the space between the pair of outer lock means304 and 305 to an unlocking position. When the manually operable means311 is released, a spring 313 acts to turn the shaft 311 automaticallyin a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 9, so as to return theintermediate lock means to its locking position. The spring 313 iscoiled about the shaft 311 and has its ends respectively connected withthe shaft 311 and the component 301 so as to urge the shaft 311 to turnin a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 9.

In order to be able to displace the intermediate lock means 307, 308away from its locking position even when it is clamped between the pairof outer lock means 304 and 305, the opposed edges of the intermediatelock members 307 and 308, which form the lock surfaces thereof, areoppositely beveled, while the lock surfaces 304' and 305' are alsooppositely beveled so that the space hetween-the pair of outer lockmeans is transversely tapered and the pair of opposed lock surfaces ofthe intermediate lock means, which are directed away from each other,provide the intermediate lock means with a corresponding wedge-shapedconfiguration considered transversely. In this way there is a transversewedging action in the space between the pair of outer lock meansprovided for the intermediate lock means 307, 308. However, as a resultof the oppositely beveled lock surfaces it is a simple matter todisplace the intermediate lock means 307, 308, even when tightly clampedbetween the pair of outer lock means, away from its locking position toan unlocking position where the lock surfaces of the intermediate lockmeans are respectively spaced from the lock surfaces of the pair ofouter lock means.

While with all of the embodiments described above, a structure suitablefor angular positioning of the backrest of an automobile seat or thelike is provided, so that rotary movement of one component relative toanother is illustrated in the drawings and described above, theinvention is equally applicable to a component which moves intranslation with respect to a stationary component. For example, in theembodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 where the outer lock means 104 is fixed tothe stationary component 201, it is possible to provide only a segmentof the ring 204 with a straight shiftable component which islongitudinally movable across fiat ends of the segment to define withthe ring segment a space which has the configuration of part of acircle, the space having an outer curved periphery corresponding to thecircumference of the circle and a flat straight limiting edgecorresponding to achord of the circle. With such a construction themovable component can be moved in translation back and forth along astraight bath while the intermediate lock means would also include apair of intermediate lock members having configuration corresponding tothat of the ends of the space defined between the pair of components andcoacting therewith precisely as described above.

It is apparent with the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 when the component302 tends to turn in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 8 forexample, the intermediate lock member 308 will be radially compressedbetween the segments 304 and 305 to provide the interlocking type ofaction, while a tendency of the component 302 to swing in acounterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 8,

will provide a substantially radial compression on the intermediate lockmember 307 to achieve the interlocking type of action through the lockmember 307 in this case.

Thus, with the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 as well as with the otherembodiments it is possible to provide a stepless type of adjustmenthaving an infinite number of possible selected positions within thecomplete range of adjustment while at the same time providing aninterlocking action with the lock structure, as distinguished from apressure type of friction action. It is to be noted that in allembodiments the intermediate lock means is clamped between a pair ofouter lock means which is characteristic of the interlocking type ofaction, as distinguished from a pressure type of frictional coactionwhere a pair of surfaces press against each other without clamping ofone member between a pair of outer members to provide an interlockingtype of lock action. Because of this type of locking action achievedwith the structure of the invention the force required to move themovable component, when the lock structure is in its unlocking position,is relatively low.

As compared to conventional self-locking types of drives, the device ofthe invention provides, in addition to its simple construction, theadvantage of enabling the selected position to be quickly achievedbecause the movable component can be very quickly moved through a largedistance when the device is in its unlocking position. Such quickadjustment is of particular desirabilityin connection with manydifferent types of devices such as, for example, the backrest on anautomobile seat.

On the other hand, the self-locking action which achieves an eventighter locking pressure when the movable component tends to move ineither direction from its adjusted position assures retaining theadjusted component in its adjusted position. However, an intermeshingengagement such as that provided between the lock surfaces 304' of FIG.8 and the coacting lock surfaces of the intermediate lock members 307and 308 is desirable in some cases.

It is to be noted that a pair of separate intermediate lock members isnot essential since, as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a single intermediatelock member 107 will suffice in some cases. Also, as is apparent fromthe embodiments described above, the intermediate lock means can moveeither longitudinally of the space between the pair of outer lock meansor transversely with respect thereto. This latter possibility isparticularly available when relatively large areas of engagement areprovided between the lock surfaces, and such an arrangement isparticularly suitable in the case where a force in the direction ofrelative movement of the components is present.

As is apparent from FIGS. 6 and 7, it is not essential to have the meanswhich urges the pair of intermediate lock members to their lockingpositions act on the intermediate lock means through the manuallyoperable means, but instead the means can act directly on the pair ofintermediate lock members.

The provision of play between one of the cam follower pins and the camslot which receives it, as shown in FIG. 6, is also highly desirable totake care of relatively large manufacturing tolerances. Thus, it mayhappen that due to relatively large tolerances one intermediate lockmember has already reached its locking position while the other has notreached its locking position. The play provided with the embodiment ofFIG. 6 for the cam follower pin 208 eliminates this possibility andguarantees that both lock members will be displaced all the Way to theirlocking positions. Of course, instead of such a play it is also possibleto provide an elastic structure for the same purpose or to mount the cam209 in an elastic bear- The provision of a pair of cam slots in a singlecam plate permits the simultaneous movement of both of the intermediatelock members to be achieved from a single cam plate.

Although the invention is illustrated and described with reference to aplurality of preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be expresslyunderstood that it is in no way limited to the disclosure of such aplurality of preferred embodiments, but is capable of numerousmodifications within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an adjusting device, a pair of components which are to bereleasably fixed, at a selected position with respect to each other, andwhich are movable one relative to the other, a pair of outer lock meansrespectively carried by said components and respectively having locksurfaces directed toward each other and defining a space ofpredetermined configuration between themselves, guide means coactingwith said pair of outer lock means for guiding at least one of said lockmeans for movement relative to the other of said lock means withoutchanging the configuration of said space, intermediate lock means havinga pair of outer lock surfaces directed away from each other and pressingagainst said lock surfaces of said pair of said outer lock means whensaid intermediate lock means is in a locking position in said space,said intermediate lock means when in said locking position thereofhaving at least an interlocking coaction with said pair of outer lockmeans, and manually operable means coacting with said intermediate lockmeans for displacing the latter between said locking position thereofand an unlocking position where said outer lock surfaces of saidintermediate lock means are spaced from said lock surfaces of said pairof outer lock means.

2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said intermediate lock meanshas a self-locking coaction with said pair of outer lock means, whensaid intermediate lock means is in said locking position thereof,providing a tighter locking action between all of said lock means whenone outer lock means tends to move with respect to the other outer lockmeans while said intermediate lock means is in said locking positionthereof.

3. The combination of claim 1 and wherein at least one of said locksurfaces of one of said outer lock means has depressions and projectionswhile the lock surface of said intermediate lock means which coactstherewith has intermeshing depressions and projections.

4. The combination of claim 3 and wherein said depressions andprojections are in the form of knurling.

5. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said pair of outer lock meanseach have a pair of lock surface portions spaced from each other withone of said pair of lock surface portions of one of said outer lockmeans respectively directed toward the other of said pair of locksurface portions of the other outer lock means and defining a pair ofspaced gaps therewith, said intermediate lock means including a pair ofintermediate lock members respectively situated in said gaps inengagement with said lock surface portions when said intermediate locksmeans is in said locking position thereof.

6. The combination of claim 5 and wherein each of said spaced gapstapers.

7. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said gaps respectively becomegradually narrower in opposed directions.

8. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said intermediate lock membersare respectively movable longitudinally along said gaps.

9. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said intermediate lock membersare respectively movable transversely with respect to said gap.

10. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said pair of outer lock meansrespectively have a common turning axis while said lock surfaces thereofare curved and have different radii and centers of curvature.

11. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said outer lock means aremovable in translation one with respect to the other.

12. The combination of claim 9 and wherein each pair of opposed locksurfaces of said pair of outer lock means which are directed toward eachother are oppositely beveled to provide said gaps with a transverselytapering configuration, and said intermediate lock means having itsouter locking surfaces also oppositely beveled so as to have atransverse wedging engagement with respect to said lock surfaces of saidpair of outer lock means.

13. The combination of claim 6 and wherein said pair of outer lock meansinclude an outer ring having inner teeth and an inner gear having outerteeth meshing with said inner teeth so that said outer ring and innergear coact with each other in the manner of a sun wheel and planetarygear, respectively, the tips of the teeth of said ring and gear formingthe lock surfaces of said pair of outer lock means, and the center ofsaid inner gear being displaced from the center of said ring so that theteeth of said outer ring and inner gear, where they do not engage eachother, define between themselves a curved space which gradually taperstoward its opposite ends to form said gaps and which is of asubstantially sickleshaped configuration.

14. The combination of claim 13 and wherein said intermediate lock meansis of a curved wedge-shaped configuration conforming to theconfiguration of said space.

15. The combination of claim 13 and wherein the outer ring with theinner teeth is connected with that one of the components which moveswith respect to the other component and is guided by said guide meansfor turning movement about its center, while the inner gear iseccentrically situated with respect to the ring and is supported by saidguide means for rotary movement about a stationary axis, said othercomponent supporting said guide means and said guide means having astationary circular plate around which said inner gear is freelyturnable, and said other component carrying a cam means which coactswith said intermediate lock means for displacing the latter between saidlocking and unlocking positions thereof.

16. The combination of claim 15 and wherein said d intermediate lockmeans includes a pair of curved elongated wedge members respectivelysituated in gaps of said space and said cam means having a pair ofcamming portions respectively coacting with said curved wedge membersfor moving them equally and oppositely.

17. The combination of claim 16 and wherein an urging means coacts withsaid pair of curved wedge members for urging them apart from each otherlongitudinally of said gaps into locking positions, and said cam meanshaving a substantial play with respect to at least one of said wedgemembers.

18. The combination of claim 15 and wherein said pair of wedge membersrespectively have pins projecting therefrom while said cam means isformed with camming slots which respectively receive said pins.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,099,485 7/1963 Beierbach et al.l6--144X 3,401,979 9/1968 Putsch 297-362 3,432,881 3/1969 Putsch et a1.l6146 BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

